Reg Lewis, a legend of Golden Era bodybuilding, has passed away.
Bodybuilding has certainly transformed since the Golden Era. The competitors are far more massive and are all geared up these days. Back in the day it was all about aesthetics and a classic silhoutte. So to hear that Reg Lewis, one of the legends of the Golden Era, has passed away at the age of 85 is truly bittersweet.
While he has passed on and left this plane, it must be acknowledged that Reg Lewis left behind him a legacy to be truly proud of. The Golden Era competitor was a staple in the bodybuilding world, winning the Mr. America in 1963 and even placing third at the 1970 Mr. Olympia.
The Instagram page Gr8erDays gathered these great factoids about the life of Reg Lewis.
RIP Reg Lewis, one of the last bodybuilders from that sport’s Golden Age, who died February 14, 2021, at 85.
Born January 23, 1936, in California, he was a Junior Mr. Olympics, Mr. Northern California, Mr. Olympics, Mr. Pacific Coast -AAU, Mr. America, Natural Mr. America and Mr. Universe-Tall (1957; losing overall to Arthur Robin, b. 1927) title-holder renowned for his symmetry, his wavy hair and that devilish grin.
He served as beefcake for Mae West (1893-1980) in her 1954 Vegas act and traveled with her, too, winding up as one of the musclemen in her 1978 film “Sextette.”
His only other movie roles were starring as Maxus in the turkey “Colossus of the Stone Age” (1962) and brief parts in “The Brass Bottle” (1964) and “Don’t Make Waves” (1967).
Reg also appeared on a 1959 episode of “You Bet Your Life.”
The old bodybuilder never set down the weights, lifting until recently and granting interviews.
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Reg Lewis Bodybuilding Competition History
1955
Mr Northern California – AAU, Winner
1956
Mr Olympics, Winner
Mr Pacific Coast – AAU, Winner
1957
Mr USA, 2nd
Universe – Pro – NABBA, Tall, 1st
1963
Mr America – IFBB, Tall, 1st
Mr America – IFBB, Overall Winner
1970
Olympia – IFBB, 3rd
1975
Pro Mr World – WBBG, 5th
1981
Natural Mr America – NBA, Masters Tall, 2nd
1982
Natural Mr America – NBA, Masters Medium, 1st
Natural Mr America – NBA, Masters Overall Winner
The Generation Iron team offers condolences to the family and friends of Reg Lewis.
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Managing Editor at Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Sound Cloud for in-depth MMA analysis.
